Chelsea boots have been a staple in my wardrobe for several fall/winter seasons. They are such a classic style and look great with almost any outfit, be it jeans and blazer or a dress with tights.
As the cold weather moved in this past October, I took my much loved Top Shop boots to the cobbler to have them resoled. As they were admittedly beginning to look a little tired, I began the hunt for a replacement pair. I had a very specific list of criteria in mind for these new boots: slightly pointed toe; durable, quality leather; 1.5″ – 2″ heel; and a slim ankle section. After scouring the internet and spending a week lusting after the Acne Studios Jensen boots that are definitely out of my price range, I came across the Frye Dara Chelsea boot. It was love at first sight.
Ryan kindly listened to me gush about these boots for several weeks and I am sure you can imagine my excitement when I unwrapped them on Christmas Eve. What a great hubby!
The first time I slipped (read: ungracefully shoved) them on to my feet, my heart sank. Although in my regular size (US 9, EU 40), they felt small. Panicked, I tried them with super thin socks, which made them feel wearable. In online reviews, several people had mentioned that these boots are tight and narrow. While these boots did not give me blisters, they were snug and a little uncomfortable at first. However, it has been my experience that some of the best quality boots that stand the test of time require a bit of breaking in, so I persevered.
Having now worn the boots almost daily for the past two-and-a-half months, I am happy to say that they have broken in nicely and are becoming more and more comfortable with each wear. They are a thick, sturdy leather which is slowly become more supple and is forming to the exact shape of my foot. Soft leather boots, such as my boots from Top Shop, are comfortable straight out of the box, but the leather tends to give so much so quickly that they begin to feel like floppy slippers.
The Frye Dara Chelsea boots have a leather sole, which can be slippery and impractical. After wobbling around on tile floors like a first-time ice skater and nearly wiping out when taking a corner with a generous amount of momentum, I decided to take them to the cobbler to have a rubber half sole added. A rubber half sole is also vital when wearing leather-soled boots outside in ice and snow as the salt can eat away and damage the leather. I have a pair of Frye Campus boots to which I added the rubber half sole and they are still in great condition even after many seasons of constant wear.
So, if you are looking to purchase these boots, I would definitely tell you to go for it. They are beautifully crafted (made in Mexico in a region known for its leather goods) and have quickly become a favourite in my closet that I look forward to wearing for years to come. Keep in mind that these boots require some breaking in, but they are definitely worth the effort.
-M.
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